Thyroid Dysfunction and Autoimmunity Among Patients with ChronicHepatitis C Receiving Interferon-a Therapy

Background/Aims: Thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity are common manifestations of chronic hepatitis C infection, and have been reported during (IFN-a) therapy. However, the prevalence and pattern of thyroid disease following interferona therapy is relatively uncertain. This study aims to define the prevalence, pattern of thyroid dysfunction, thyroid autoimmunity and outcomes with Interferon-a therapy. Methods: A prospective study was performed to assess thyroid function and autoimmunity in 40 chronic hepatitis C patients with normal baseline thyroid function were treated with interferon-a, at Alnoor Specialized Hospital, the tertiary level hospital of the Holy Makah, Saudi Arabia, between May 2007 and Jan. 2009. Results: Pretreatment comparison with a control group of 30 healthy volunteer did not show significant differences in the frequency of thyroid dysfunction or anti-thyroid autoantibody positivity. During interferon-a treatment, the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was (15.0% ), and is made up predominantly of females (67%). There were 4 (10%) cases of hypothyroidism, I (2.5%) case with hyperthyroidism, and I (2.5%) case with biphasic presentation. The frequency of alteration of anti-thyroid autoantibodies was 8.5%. Two cases of hypothyroidism still required Thyroxin supplement at the end of follow-up. Conclusion: Ninety-five percent of chronic hepatitis C treated patients have intact thyroid function at the end of treatment. The predominant thyroid dysfunction is hypothyroidism. The predominant pattern of thyrotoxicosis is that of thyroiditis. Screening of thyroid gland function and antithyroid peroxidase antibody titers in all patients with chronic hepatitis C before and during interferon-a therapy may be necessary.